Vitthal Temple
The Vitthal Temple of Bhubaneshwar was built in 8th century A.D. The temple is dedicated to the Tantric Goddesses and architecturally belongs to the Khakhara order.
The Vitthal Temple is in the shape of a rectangle and it has been built at a right angle to the Jagmohana. It is quite distinct and has some of the finest sculptures. The temple has a sanctum having a tower that slopes like a pyramid surmounted by a long vaulted cap. The outer surface of the vault is absolutely plain, in contrast with the heavy sculptural embellishment of every other existing Orissan temple tower.
The interior of the Vitthal Temple’s inner sanctum is almost completely dark, in keeping with the esoteric rites believed to have been performed there. In front of the entrance to the sanctum is a four-faced linga adored with unusual carvings. There is a figure of Parvati to the south side and the figure of Aradhanareshwara to the west. All this symbolises the concept of singularness in Hindu philosophy.
